Paul Warne on the prospect of a Rotherham United return for Josh Emmanuel

By Paul Davis | 01/09/2019

Josh Emmanuel

ROTHERHAM United are weighing up a deadline-day swoop for old boy Josh Emmanuel.

The Millers may decide they need to add to their right-back options because of question marks over the fitness of Billy Jones.

Manager Paul Warne and head of recruitment Rob Scott were due to talk last night to decide on their next move.

If they decide to bring in someone before tomorrow's 5pm close of the transfer window to compete with Matt Olosunde, Ipswich Town's Emmanuel will be their top target.

"We've made contact with Ipswich over the summer about Josh but he was never available," said Warne who expects Glasgow Rangers winger Jake Hastie to join the club on loan. "They wanted to keep him in.

"I'm not saying it's not possible. Obviously, I've had a relationship with Josh in the past. I know him really well. I think he's, like, fourth choice at Ipswich now."

Emmanuel, aged 22 and in the final year of his contract at Portman Road, became a cult figure at AESSEAL New York Stadium with his powerful surges forward during a season-long loan spell during Rotherham's 2017/18 League One promotion campaign.

"I'll be having a chat with Rob tonight and we'll see what we think," said Warne after yesterday's 1-1 home draw with Tranmere Rovers.

Warne already has four full-backs and may choose to bank on Jones' absence with a foot problem being shorter than initially feared.

"I'm led to believe Billy is on the road to recovery," the boss said. "Matt looks all right. I've brought in a centre-half (Adam Thompson). I think I might have enough cover really.

"Josh might become available but, as I sit here now, I don't think it will happen.

"We've got Trevor (left-back Clarke) out so out of four full-backs we've got two out. Ideally, I wouldn't want to carry five full-backs. But it's a long season.

"If I was to bring in a right-back, Josh would be high on my list."

Ipswich boss Paul Lambert said: "We’ll see if anything comes up. I’m pretty sure things will fly in (offers for players and players being offered) and then it’s up to us. You can never rule anything out."

Hastie was due to head south today and Warne believes his arrival will be officially announced tomorrow.

The possible capture of Emmanuel would signal the end of Rotherham's summer transfer business.

When Warne was asked if there could be any other incomings, he replied: "No, I don't foresee that."

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